Panasonic FP5 vs Sony RX100 VA

Here, we are looking at the Panasonic FP5 and Sony RX100 VA, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the FP5 (14MP) and RX100 VA (20MP) and the FP5 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FP5 was unveiled 8 years prior to the RX100 VA and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FP5 grades against the RX100 VA with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FP5 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP5 provides exterior dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP5 and Sony RX100 VA in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the FP5 versus the RX100 VA.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FP5 and RX100 VA is 95 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out technical specs. The visual below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FP5 and RX100 VA.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FP5 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony RX100 VA will show greater detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The older FP5 will be behind in sensor tech.